Oxygen (O) and Nitrogen (N) are both nonmetals found in group 16 and group 15 of the periodic table, respectively. Oxygen has an atomic number of 8, while Nitrogen has an atomic number of 7. One key difference between the two elements is their atomic structure: Oxygen has six valence electrons, making it highly reactive and eager to form bonds, while Nitrogen has five valence electrons, which allows it to form fewer bonds under normal conditions.
Both elements are essential for life; Oxygen is crucial for respiration in most organisms, while Nitrogen is a significant component of amino acids and nucleic acids. Additionally, both elements exist as diatomic molecules (O₂ and N₂) in their gaseous states. However, Oxygen is a more electronegative element, which influences its ability to attract electrons in chemical reactions, distinguishing its reactivity from that of Nitrogen.